I don't know about anyone out there, but at this time of June, I start to feel that "Gettysburg feeling." Can't describe it, except that in my mind I retrace where the Army of the Potomac and Army of Virgina were on this date. I make a point to read Gettysburg/retreat from Gettysburg material, etc.

One thing I've never done is attend a reenactment, Gettysburg or otherwise (interested, but with a 5-year old at home it's tough). I've visited a couple "living history" events in PA. I've been wondering what the best things and the worst things about reenactments are, from those of you who've been part of them, or attended them. I'll take into consideration that everyone has their own opinion, but since I do plan on going to one SOMEDAY, give me some idea what I'm in for!

I will be at the 145th of Gettysburg!! YEAY!! Our bus leaves tommorrow!!

Be prepared to walk and stand a lot. Since you'll be bringing along a 5 year old, prepare for him/her to not like the noise of the guns. Maybe this won't be a factor, but be ready just in case.

Be sure to ask questions, talk with the reenactors and let your child's curiousity blossom! Bring extra money in case you want to buy something from the sutlers (a book for yourself, a coloring book or toy for your child). I'd also bring some binoculars so you can get a closer look at the battle.

Most of all, enjoy the day with your child!

I hope y'all have fun and learn something you might not have known before!

Thanks too for the info about what to bring/expect with a reenactment. The things about a 5-year old will be really helpful, believe me. I can't wait to take him; it's worth the extra planning if I can get him interested early.

The worst thing about large re-enactments is the long walks. Sometimes (and this IS the case with the G-burg Re-enactment) there'll be a flatbed that is pulled by a tractor to get you to and from the camps and sutlers. Usually the weather can be HOT and the sun unmerciful. Be prepared. Oh yea, don't go lookin' in someone's tent either unless the flaps are wide open. Be careful too about the 20th century questions. Some of us don't go down that road once we "got our wool on."
Otherwise, EVERYTHING is fun, fun, fun! LOTS of smoke and NOISE!

I'm going as a reenactor, so I fully agree about having my "wool on"!!....heehee...

This is my first large National event, and I expect to be pretty wore out!!

Normally, I am with Scott's TN Battery, but gas is too expensive to haul the cannon out from western Illinois/Eastern Iowa, so we've chartered a bus to go as infantry. We'll fall in with the 49th North Carolina.

You should check at the visitor's center for the National Parks programs. There are special programs given during the anniversarys. They also present living history presentations which a usually very informative. There is also a campfire presentation at the ampitheater on Confederate ave. I have only been there once on the anniversary and had planned to spend a day at the reenactment, but never made it due to all the no cost presentations of the Park service. You may also want to stop at the Rupp House as The Friends of Gettysburd sponsor many special programs. lectures book signings ect,

I hear ya, Al! No I did NOT stay dry. Put me in an unsavory mood too. I absolutely hate it when my socks and drawers get wet! Hate it!
Otherwise, lots of smoke, noise and shootin' to make many memories. Can't wait for the DVD to come out in November!

I pre-ordered with the extras as well.
You're right. Nothing to shoot at here either. Although, cleaning my two guns (.58 Springfield & .69 Springfiled) has been a real labor (of love) but, a labor none the less!
Can't do Chickamauga. One big one a year this time around.
Hey! Do you think anyone would buy some of Getttysburg's dirt from the 145th Anniversary? I still have lots on my uniform! :-)

The very next day after getting home, I took my wool pants, coat and two wool blankets to the dry cleaners! Between getting muddy, wet and sweat, they were pretty ripe! I'm surprised they let us back on the bus to return home!

Bear in mind I don't know much about re-enacting, but what's the point where you decide you need a new uniform, not because it stands up on its own, but because it's so "run in" it's like natural air conditioning?

Regarding our clothes: the more beat up, dirty, etc they get, the better, more realistic us Rebs look! Some of my pards have holes in their shoes, holes in their pants, dirt-stained coates....it's all part of our "First-Person" persona.

Here's a YouTube of the Rebs marching to fight at Gettysburg. I'm in it, but I'd hafta point myself out....